Bow Hunting Gear: Essential Supplies and Equipment You Need

The market is filled with all sorts of bow hunting gear, which can leave even the most experienced hunters a bit confused. So we’re here to help you make your decision and get only the things you actually need.

We’ll start you off with a few advice on how to choose your equipment, after which we’ll show you which products we’ve found to be most appealing.

The main things to take into account regard quality and utility, so you’ll have to make informed investments or otherwise you may lose a lot of money in the long term.

How to Choose

When it comes to choosing, take into account things like:

Materials: Quality and durability should be your main concerns at all times. But since you’re bow hunting, you may also need equipment that’s resistant to water, wind, cold, dust, moisture, and various potential on-field damages. Basically, choose the materials that keep you safe and protected from the elements, while also guaranteeing a strong final product.

Your strength: If you need a bow or extras for your weapon, you should also take into account your level of strength. Don’t get something that increases the draw weight or draws length too much, maybe you won’t be able to handle these tools. Your fitness level also dictates the level of portability, and therefore how compact or heavy your equipment should be. If you’re walking long distances or standing for hours at a time, something light may be more appropriate, even if you’re fit.

The things you need: This may seem redundant, but it’s not. Sometimes we get influenced by all sorts of included perks or discounts, so we forget what we actually need on the field. For instance, you think you’re getting a sweet deal when buying a bow with all the included accessories, forgetting you actually don’t need them at all or that you already have most of them.

Besides, remember that target practice and hunting albeit similar activities, still require different equipment.

Your skill level: Some gizmos are better for newbies, while some are meant for experts. Just make sure you’re able to handle the things you buy, and that they actually help you become a better hunter instead of inconveniencing you.

Your purpose: When and where you’re hunting, as well as what sort of techniques you’re using should all be taken into account. For instance, you don’t need a blind if you’re treestanding, and you don’t need a stand if you’re hunting in an open field. So among the things you’re most likely to need on your bow hunting trip, you’ll find:

Appropriate clothing and footwear.

Arrows.

Backpack.

Binoculars.

Blind.

Broadheads.

Camera

Communication devices.

Peep.

Quiver.

Rest.

Sight.

Silencer.

Stabilizer.

Weapon.

Wrist sling.

What to Choose from

With all that in mind, we’ve selected some of the best products to look at:

This package can be the thing you’re looking for especially if you’re a beginner and don’t have a lot of your own equipment. That’s because you can adjust the bow to fit your preferences and purpose on the field.

You can use this compound bow either for target shooting, or for some hunting since its draw weight can be set between 40 to 70 pounds, and the RAK features mean you can use it right from the box.

Besides, it has a low total weight, which means it’s great for portability reasons. Also, it’s easier to handle by a newbie who’s just learning the basics of bow shooting. Since its features emphasize stability, along with accuracy, the low weight will contribute to enhancing these features.

The arrow rest is something else to help you with stability, given that you can shoot smoothly and quietly, even when you’re treestanding.

The included biscuit rest will help you better this feature. The draw length can also be easily modified with the rotating modules between 25 to 30 inches, so the cams don’t need changing.

Description: This 5 stars Bear X Fix FFL Crossbow Package has a price range of $798.89 – $799.99, depending on the size you’ll choose. The 34 inches size can be found in a Field Dark Earth/Tan, color, while the one size model is available in Realtree Extra.

Both models have great designs, though, and you can choose the one that fits your requirements regarding size better. Plus, they include a scope, arrows, quiver, and cocking sled.

You should know that both have a high shooting speed of 375 fps and a kinetic energy of 125 ft-lbs, which means they’ll give enough force so the arrow penetrates even the bones of your game.

Considering their draw weight is very high, reaching 135 pounds, you’ll know this crossbow is intended for larger animals. It’s also better suited for the most experienced shooters, who have enough strength for handling this crossbow.

The axle to axle length is 15.1 inches at rest, and 11.1 inches at the draw. That accounts for high-speed shots, which are also smooth and quite precise.

Plus, you’ll be able to handle this crossbow even in more cramped up spaces with absolutely no worries since the safety will always be on except when you’re actually shooting. The limbs are positioned forwards, which means the overall balance is great because the weight will be placed between the grip and foregrip.

Description: This Evolved Ingenuity 1RX2S010 Hunting Doghouse Ground Blind is the perfect thing to use when you’re out hunting, either with your bow or even with a shotgun. That’s because it has reduced dimensions and a low total weight, which makes it easy to carry and to store.

But when you set it up, you’ll find it’s actually a rather spacious blind, that reaches total dimensions of 60 x 60 x 66 inches, meaning it can easily accommodate at least one shooter.

The design is quite interesting, starting with the fact that you can shoot through its mesh. That means you won’t have to open or close any sort of entrance, so you’ll be able to stay protected and insulated inside perfectly. But you still have quick in and out access through a very large door, that can be securely shut.

The fact that this blind is wholly made from polyester accounts for both a low total weight and for the shelter’s ability to protect you from the elements. Polyester isn’t totally waterproof, but it’s resistant to water and the wind, which means you can easily withstand a storm inside this blind.

The steel spring is another great feat, both in regards to strength, endurance, and easy setup.

Besides, this imported blind has a cool camo pattern called Realtree Xtra, which looks cool, but also camouflages you almost to perfection among the trees.

You can pick from a plethora of interesting designs and colors, all earthy nuances for increased camouflaging ability.

The sizes vary on a wide range too, since you can choose anything from a Small to an XXX-Large. However, most online reviewers state that the sizes run small, so choosing a bigger model is probably wiser especially if you’re in between sizes.

But the official description offers the precise measurements for each size, and you’re also advised to choose a model that’s one or two sizes bigger than your normal clothes.

Apart from that, this tactical jacket is the right choice for all your outdoor activities and it’s not just a great bowhunting accessory. Not to mention that the side loops, shoulder loops, and pockets will allow you to carry all sorts of equipment you might need depending on your purpose.

Plus, the jacket weighs little, and it’s waterproof, windproof, insulating and yet breathable. Even though you’ll get three layers of material, this jacket will still allow you to breathe comfortably inside. And if you’re caught by the rain, it will dry off quickly.

So you’ll be perfectly protected from the elements thanks to awesome materials like the Shark Skin fabric for the shell, which is padded with an interior of warm fleece. The arms are reinforced with nylon, which makes this jacket very resistant to tears and damages.

Description: This 2.8 stars and $97.69 Muddy The Boss XL Fixed Position Treestand was specially designed to assist bow hunters who start off in their adventure during that time of the season when there’s mud everywhere.

Its design is perfect for resisting all sorts of humidity levels and damages, because of its hydrophobic makeup. That means any sort of wetness will dry off fast and won’t leave enduring marks.

The design also has your protection as a primary objective. The reinforced toe construction was meant to protect your feet, the felt sole accounts for increased traction when wading because of mud, and the EVA midsole absorbs shocks.

Your ankles will be supported too because the design includes a padded collar as well as a tongue.

Comfort and durability are other attributes of this fixed stand because it has a very strong seat pad and a D-ring gravel. The drainage ports are manufactured from mesh and placed sideways to protect you from the rain, and the platform is resistant enough for bigger weights.

Besides, the setup is easy and fast, but remember to add some security straps of your own. If the build starts making weird sounds, just use the included plastic washers respecting the instructions.

Field Logic IQ Micro 7 Pin Bow Sight

Description: This Field Logic IQ Micro 7 Pin Bow Sight is among the coolest bow hunting accessories, considering all its amazing features. For starters, it works with Retina Lock Technology, that helps you shoot perfectly.

That’s because this trademarked technology is a good tool for beginners and experts alike, as it gives you feedback in real time regarding your shot.

That will help you take more accurate shots in the future. This system is likewise endowed with muscle memory, so you can count on its help regarding the form and consistency of your shot.

The micro knobs can be adjusted according to your preferences, weather and the place where you’re shooting from.

So windage and altitude can easily be taken into account with this sight, minimizing the possible inconsistencies determined by these variations. Besides, they will easily lock in place without any additional tools being required.

The included sight level is also great for stability and accuracy, just like the second axis feature which is moreover adjustable. Basically, you’ll be able to shoot at very long distances thanks to these attributes.

The sight is intended for right-handed use, and it’s made from strong, yet light aluminum. Its pins are manufactured from .019 fiber optic, which makes them incredibly bright. This is great when it comes to your ability to see in dimmer light since some of the best hunts take place at dusk or dawn.

Related: Field Logic also offers this item for Left-Hand use, at $112.88.

Carbon Express 57509 String Silencer, Black

Description: This 4.1 stars Carbon Express 57509 String Silencer, Black is a great deal for the money. That’s because it’s a basic sort of silencer, that reduces vibrations and noise, but without doing much else. So don’t expect any extraordinary features or impressive technology, not even an awesome design.

You’ll get a couple of whisker-looking silencers that do their job perfectly, and not a thing more.

Their low price and ability to muffle out noise and shocks are mainly courtesy of the rubber material they’re made from. Besides, their construction is very good and therefore you won’t be losing any speed after putting them on. Most people prefer to install them at both extremities of their bows, and they still work like a charm.

Since the whiskers are somewhat long, you always have the option of trimming them with scissors. Otherwise, you might find them a bit uncomfortable.

So a pack of two can easily make four silencers unless you’re fine with streamers on the string. Basically, apart from high-quality and low price, you can save some money even further if you cut them in half.

Timber Hawk Killshot Backpack

Weight: 7.2 pounds

Dimensions: 54.5 liters capacity

Specifications: sturdy top handle; large main compartment; large zipper; good materials; lots of pockets; 2-liter hydra pack

Best Use: bow hunting

Description: This 4.8 stars and $136.57 Timber Hawk Killshot Backpack is great for any sort of outdoor trips because it has a huge capacity of 54.5 liters. Besides, the overall weight isn’t that big either, so you can carry all your necessary equipment without having a heavy backpack that adds to their weight.

The top handle is sturdy and resistant, and you can even carry the backpack in your hand when you’re short of space.

The main compartment is large, so you can fit a lot of things inside it. The zipper that opens this compartment is pretty large too, and it’s a loop model, so you can easily pull it on the field, even if you’re wearing gloves.

The interior is padded with a resistant twill fabric. The accessory pocket is also padded with this sort of fabric, and it will be great for carrying all sorts of additional gear like a GPS or even your sunglasses.

There are many other loops made from mesh for organizing your stuff, not to mention the organizer compartment you’ll find in front, that includes three pockets.

The shoulder strap and waistbelt also have additional pouches and pockets, while the chest strap has a buckle that comes with an included whistle. The 2-liter hydra pack is perfect for all sorts of outdoor trips, and the ability to attach a bow or a pouch come in handy too.

Description: This 4.5 stars and $578.99 Carl Zeiss Optical Inc Victory PRF Monocular will render a great image because the objective has a lens that’s 2-element achromatic. Besides this, thanks to multicoating there will be the less light transmission, and hence less flare and glare to mess with your image quality.

The materials used for this monocular are top notch, starting with its Lotutec coating. This coat is repellant to water and dirt, but also to grease and grime, so you can confidently use the monocular regardless of how bad the field conditions get.

The image quality is defined by characteristics such as pristine clearness and brightness, and you’ll catch perfect details even at a larger field of view and at distances reaching up to 1300 yards. That’s because this monocular has a digital laser rangefinder and a LED display, as well as powerful 26-mm lens and 8x magnification.

What You’ll Get

That being said, you don’t have to limit your choices to just these products. We’ve just given you some ideas, but we’re sure the market has many other things to offer to people interested in gadgets and cool bowhunting accessories.

So what do you think is the best gizmo you can possibly have for your bow or on the field? What would you actually buy if you had the money? And conversely, what sort of extra do you think is totally useless?

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Dennis Owens

Dennis Owens is a graduate of National Camping School and REI Outdoor School. He knows everything about what gear to take with you, how to plan your trip to stay safe and what to do if you get lost in the mountains. We are lucky to have Dennis with us as he is a ‘walking encyclopedia’ when it comes to the wilderness.

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